nodejs-express-server

SKILL.md

Node.js Express Server

Table of Contents

Overview

When to Use

Quick Start

Reference Guides

Best Practices

Overview

Create robust Express.js applications with proper routing, middleware chains, authentication mechanisms, and database integration following industry best practices.

When to Use

Building REST APIs with Node.js

Implementing server-side request handling

Creating middleware chains for cross-cutting concerns

Managing authentication and authorization

Connecting to databases from Node.js

Implementing error handling and logging

Quick Start

Minimal working example:

const express = require("express");
const app = express();
const PORT = process.env.PORT || 3000;

// Middleware
app.use(express.json());
app.use(express.urlencoded({ extended: true }));

// Routes
app.get("/health", (req, res) => {
  res.json({ status: "OK", timestamp: new Date().toISOString() });
});

// Error handling
app.use((err, req, res, next) => {
  console.error(err.stack);
  res.status(err.status || 500).json({
    error: err.message,
    requestId: req.id,
  });
});

app.listen(PORT, () => {
  console.log(`Server running on port ${PORT}`);
});

Reference Guides

Detailed implementations in the references/ directory:

Guide
Contents

Basic Express Setup
Basic Express Setup

Middleware Chain Implementation
Middleware Chain Implementation

Database Integration (PostgreSQL with Sequelize)
Database Integration (PostgreSQL with Sequelize)

Authentication with JWT
Authentication with JWT

RESTful Routes with CRUD Operations
RESTful Routes with CRUD Operations

Error Handling Middleware
Error Handling Middleware

Environment Configuration
Environment Configuration

Best Practices

✅ DO

Use middleware for cross-cutting concerns

Implement proper error handling

Validate input data before processing

Use async/await for async operations

Implement authentication on protected routes

Use environment variables for configuration

Add logging and monitoring

Use HTTPS in production

Implement rate limiting

Keep route handlers focused and small

❌ DON'T

Handle errors silently

Store sensitive data in code

Use synchronous operations in routes

Forget to validate user input

Implement authentication in route handlers

Use callback hell (use promises/async-await)

Expose stack traces in production

Trust client-side validation only

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